Abstract: A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.

Abstract: A method of imaging an object that includes directing a plurality of x-ray beams in a fan-shaped form towards an object, detecting x-rays that pass through the object due to the directing a plurality of x-ray beams and generating a plurality of imaging data regarding the object from the detected x-rays. The method further includes forming either a three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography, digital tomosynthesis or Megavoltage image from the plurality of imaging data and displaying the image.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for gene therapy using cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs). In a preferred embodiment, a gene therapy vector according to the invention includes a gene encoding a B subunit of a CDT and an antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits a DNA repair mechanism. An inducible promoter is operably linked to the gene and oligonucleotide. Preferably, the promoter is strictly inducible by heat shock.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering radiation therapy to patients during suspended ventilation are provided. The apparatus includes a ventilator assembly having first and second selectively operable valves that independently control inhalation and exhalation of the patient. Both valves are shut to suspend patient ventilation for a period of time. In the methods of the present invention, radiation therapy is administered during this period of suspended patient ventilation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the diffusion of therapeutic agents through mammalian tissue. In one embodiment, invention provides methods and compositions useful for enhancing the diffusion of gene therapy vectors through a mammalian tissue of interest. The method comprises delivering the therapeutic agent and a permeabilizer to the tissue of interest. The method may further comprise inducing hyperthermia in the tissue. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises a gene therapy vector containing a polynucleotide and a tissue permeabilizer. A method of destroying tissue is also provided. In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method includes delivering a high concentration of tissue permeabilizer to the tissue and may also include inducing hyperthermia in the tissue.

Abstract: Methods of modifying total MMP activity levels in the vitreous of an eye are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method results in reduced MMP activity and comprises introducing plasmin into the vitreous of the eye. Enzyme assisted vitrectomy procedures are also provided, and comprise introducing plasmin into the vitreous in an amount sufficient to induce posterior detachment of the vitreous, mechanically detaching the vitreous from the eye, introducing a replacement fluid into the eye, and introducing plasmin into the eye in an amount sufficient to decrease the total MMP activity in vitreous. Considering the purported roles of MMPs in a variety of vitreal pathologies, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the progression of various disease conditions, including prolifertaive diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method permitting one sheet of radiographic film to be exposed multiple times including a control unit for correcting the optical density of the film based upon the spatial variation of x-ray field intensity. In particular, the present invention includes a system and method for determining an optical density of radiographic imaging film utilizing a mask for absorbing soft x-ray radiation thereby creating a reference exposure, and further utilizing a template to execute a number of sequential exposures of radiographic imaging film such that the radiographic film is selectively irradiated. The control unit is adapted for deriving a corrective optical density value based upon reference measurements, and correcting the series of template exposures using the corrective optical density value.

Abstract: A hospital bed adapted for use with an open geometry imaging system, such as a C-arm imager, is provided. The hospital bed includes a mobile base, a frame, a bed top, and a patient support. At least one portion of the bed top and patient support are substantially radiotransparent. The radiotransparent portions are capable of axial displacement along the lengthwise axis of the bed, thereby allowing the use of an imager on a patient in the bed without interference from the base. The axial displacement is preferably indexed to at least one predetermined stop position. One or more independent lateral sections can be selectively moved away from the radiotransparent portion, allowing for a reduction in the overall width of the bed. A patient transport system is also provided, in which the bed top and attached patient support can be used as a portable support, such as a stretcher, and may be secured to the base for subsequent transport and/or imaging when appropriate.

Abstract: A hospital bed adapted for use with an open geometry imaging system, such as a C-arm imager, is provided. The hospital bed includes a mobile base, a frame, a bed top, and a patient support. At least one portion of the bed top and patient support are substantially radiotransparent. The radiotransparent portions are capable of axial displacement along the lengthwise axis of the bed, thereby allowing the use of an imager on a patient in the bed without interference from the base. The axial displacement is preferably indexed to at least one predetermined stop position. One or more independent lateral sections can be selectively moved away from the radiotransparent portion, allowing for a reduction in the overall width of the bed. A patient transport system is also provided, in which the bed top and attached patient support can be used as a portable support, such as a stretcher, and may be secured to the base for subsequent transport and/or imaging when appropriate.

Abstract: A hospital bed adapted for use with an open geometry imaging system, such as a C-arm imager. The hospital bed includes a mobile base, a frame, a bed top, and a patient support. At least one portion of the bed top and patient support are substantially radiotransparent. The radiotransparent portions are capable of axial displacement along the lengthwise axis of the bed, thereby allowing the use of an imager on a patient in the bed without interference from the base. The axial displacement is preferably indexed to at least one predetermined stop position. One or more independent lateral sections can be selectively moved away from the radiotransparent portion, allowing for a reduction in the overall width of the bed. A patient transport system, in which the bed top and attached patient support can be used as a portable support, such as a stretcher, and may be secured to the base for subsequent transport and/or imaging when appropriate.

Abstract: A procedure and apparatus are provided which allow rapid positional change in the patient centering in order to facilitate the imaging of blood vessels in a series of different views. This procedure and apparatus can also facilitate the imaging of other tissues of the body at different spatial locations as well. The procedure and apparatus reduce the time required for obtaining the necessary images for a medical imaging examination using a single injection of an MRI or iodinated contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method permitting one sheet of radiographic film to be exposed multiple times including a control unit for correcting the optical density of the film based upon the spatial variation of x-ray field intensity. In particular, the present invention includes a system and method for determining an optical density of radiographic imaging film utilizing a mask for absorbing soft x-ray radiation thereby creating a reference exposure, and further utilizing template to execute a number of sequential exposures of radiographic imaging film such that the radiographic film is selectively irradiated. The control unit is adapted for deriving a corrective optical density value based upon reference measurements, and correcting the series of template exposures using the corrective optical density value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for culturing living endothelial cells is provided. The apparatus comprises a cell growth container, which in a preferred embodiment is a synthetic graft, heat crimped at both ends. The apparatus further comprises a rotation container that may contain the cell growth container and is attached to a rotation apparatus. The apparatus further comprises fixturing apparatus, which in a preferred embodiment is a pair of o-ring members, that enhances a separated condition of the cell growth container within the rotation container. The method of the present invention comprises providing a culture that includes living cells and a growth medium, introducing the culture into a cell growth container, heat crimping the cell growth container to substantially seal the cell growth container, and positioning fixturing apparatus upon the external surface of the cell growth container. This assembly is inserted into a rotation container, which is rotated by a rotation apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for simulating and verifying a radiation therapy beam prior to treatment. The system also permits the accurate positioning of the beam with respect to the patient. The system utilizes a contour on a prescription image which defines the location and shape of a desired radiation treatment area to generate a transmissive projection which projects the exact field contour onto the patient during simulation. The patient can then be marked with this field contour prior to treatment in the simulation apparatus. With the patient placed in the treatment apparatus the accurate positioning of the patient can be achieved by aligning the patient's skin markings with a light projected through a multi-leaf collimator onto the skin. Furthermore, the correct functioning of the multi-leaf collimator can be verified in this manner since incorrect leaf positions will show up in the light projected onto the patient's skin.

Abstract: A radiation treatment planning system utilizes a standard interface circuit to continuously digitize and display image data generated by an anatomical imaging device, such as an ultrasound unit. The acquired image data includes positional information of one or more radiation delivery devices relative to an anatomical area to be treated. The acquired data is processed to rapidly determine a radiation dose plan, which is displayed in real time as a superimposed image over the image of the anatomical area being treated.

Abstract: An upper and lower side-band generator comprised of a combination of combinational logic circuits. In a preferred embodiment the invention utilizes a substantially square wave sync output associated with carrier and modulator signal generators. A lower side-band signal is generated by synchronizing the transitions of a modulator signal with the transitions of a carrier signal, mixing the synchronized signal with the carrier signal, and filtering the resulting mixed signal. An upper side band signal is generated by synchronizing the carrier and modulator signals, delaying the resulting synchronized signal, and mixing the delayed, synchronized signal and the carrier signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a support bracket which positions the flow sensor of an IV pump or controller used in fluid administration systems for patients in medical care. Significant problems have been encountered when the flow sensor and the drop chamber to which it is attached become tilted during use causing improper operation of the system. This invention prevents such problems by securely mounting the IV sensor to the IV pole through the use of a support bracket.

Abstract: A monitoring system which records data relating to esophageal acidity fluctuations. The data is recorded on a miniature tape recorder and is then played back and converted to a visually perceptible format. The system has a unique interface circuit for converting the voltage difference between an esophageal probe and a reference electrode into a frequency modulated signal for recording. Another interface circuit reconverts the recorded frequency modulated signal into a voltage for a strip chart recorder. A multi-monitor embodiment is also disclosed which records data relating to esophageal spasms and heart activity in addition to esophageal acidity fluctuations.

Abstract: In conjunction with a linear accelerator or a cobalt-60 teletherapy machine disposed in a room having a head mounted for rotation about a horizontal epicenter axis, and wherein the head is adapted to direct a high energy beam at right angles to and intersecting said axis at an isocenter, there is provided right-angularly related opposed pairs of side and vertical lasers whose beams are focused upon said isocenter. This is to assure that when an isolated area of a patient's body to be treated is located at said isocenter, with the side and vertical laser beams impinging upon said isolated area, that high energy beams will at all times pass into said isolated area, as the radiation head is rotated up to 360 degrees about said epicenter axis. The present laser alignment fixture includes a support base adjustably mounted upon a universally adjustable patient platform. A turntable on said support base has a visual alignment fixture mount with top, bottom and side walls and a longitudinal bore.